
Riebeek Kasteel is not like most of the other wine regions in South Africa as it harvests wine and table grapes. Some of the most popular wines in the world are produced in the South African wine region of Riebeek Kasteel. The village is one of the oldest in the area, and is in the heart of the region. Kasteel is one of the oldest villages in the area and is located in the heart of Riebeek Valley on Kasteelberg Mountain.
If you were to drive around the area, you could mistake Riebeek as a village in Tuscany. Riebeek Kasteel is famous for olives, and of course, Shiraz wine. The vineyards stretch alongside the foothills of Kasteelberg.
The South African wine industry began in 1652 when Jan Van Riebeeck, a Dutch surgeon, was asked to manage the supply station in modern day Cape Town. In order to control scurvy, Riebeeck planted vineyards and started to produce wine and grapes. The first harvest happened seven years after landing in 1659.
The soil consists of Malmesbury shale towards the bottom, with loamy soil on the higher grounds while being interspersed with rich Hutton soils. The climate is perfectly suited to viticulture with low rainfall and warm summer days with cool breezes at night. The cold winters allow the grape vines to rest while they build up their reserves.
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Domaine du Colombier Hermitage Rouge is made from 100 percent Syrah.
Perfect with beef ribs, grilled meats and cheese.
Manually harvested with destemmed grapes and fermented for about 2 to 3 weeks in temperature controlled vats, with an ageing period of 12 months, 65% in oak barrels and 35% in concrete tanks.
Review:
Brought up in 30% new demi-muids, with the balance in used barrels, the 2017 Hermitage is beautifully pure and layered, with smoking good notes of crème de cassis, white flowers, crushed rocks, and violets. Deep, full-bodied, and concentrated on the palate, it has plenty of tannins and is going to need 5-7 years of bottle age. This is a sensational Hermitage from Colombier that will drink well for 25+ years.
These wines are made by the talented Florent Viale and shine for their purity as well as character. While the winemaking here is traditional, with the wines destemmed and brought up mostly in used demi-muids, the purity of fruit can give the impression that wines are more modern styled than they are. They will all benefit from short-term cellaring.
-Jeb Dunnuck 96+ Points
Dominus Napa Valley Christian Moueix Red Blend is made from 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot.
Dominus Estate is the Napa Valley property of Bordeaux producer Christian Moueix. The wine is bottled from the historic Napanook Vineyard. Located at the foothills of the Mayacamas, the vineyard was planted in 1838 and continues to evolve under the stewardship of Christian Moueix. The estate's Bordeaux varietals benefit from the Yountville microclimate where temperatures are moderated by cool breezes from the San Pablo Bay. The resulting wine is a uniquely refined expression of this special terroir. The 2023 vintage is seductive and deep with notes of cedar, oriental spices, wild berry, and cocoa, followed by a finely etched finish.
Reviews:
Black currant, pencil shaving, subtle sandalwood, wet earth, forest floor and violet aromas follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate with ultra-fine tannins that integrate perfectly at the end. A polished and caressing texture that goes on for minutes. The balance and drinkability of this Dominus is terrific, and it will age beautifully. A blend of 87% cabernet sauvignon, 9% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot. From organically grown grapes. Very drinkable now, but will age beautifully.
James Suckling 99 Points